How to Carfax, CarMax and Car Auctions

Searching for cars can feel almost as difficult as searching for a soul mate, which is why some people just buy new or lease and call it a day. But there are so many more ways to find a car that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, and it starts with knowing your options. Carfax, CarMax and car auctions aren’t just alliterative words that sound good together, they’re also three powerful tools when used together that can help you find your next ride.

Carfax

Used cars are always going to be a bit of a mystery no matter what, but they don’t have to be a complete enigma when you have Carfax. Most drivers know when they sell their car that they’ll get more if they don’t mention that the vehicle has been in four accidents this year alone, and many will test the limits when it comes to stretching the truth. With Carfax, you don’t have to take the seller’s word for it. When you do your research, you learn more about what the car has gone through so you have an idea of what it will do in the future. It’s one of the best ways to ensure you’re not paying for a total lemon.

CarMax

Haggling may seem great if you’re on the winning side of the equation, but there’s also a lot to lose when it comes to the negotiation process. If you don’t want to deal with that type of back and forth without ever really knowing if you got a good deal or not, CarMax is there to take the headache out of the process. You can also sell this straight-forward dealership your car too, so you can take care of everything in one fast trip. Browse online first before ever finding one of their many stores around the country. With CarMax, you can be sure that you’re getting a fair price on the car you choose. CarMax also makes excellent use of Carfax, so that both buyer and seller know what they’re getting into.

Car Auctions

Car auctions are definitely going to be a little more work when it comes to buying, but the extra time and effort can be worth it. You can save some time by learning what is a Sig Alert and how plan travel around it before you go to the auction. Cars need to be sold for a variety of reasons, so it’s up to you to find the right match at the very best price. CarMax will hold their own auctions sometimes, and the auctions are just as transparent as their dealership sales. It may be worth checking to see if they’re holding one in your area. They let you know if the car went through any type of major structural damage, providing the title history you’d definitely want to know about before lifting up your paddle. Auctions are typically conducted in open bidding, meaning there may be plenty of other people there also trying to get the best deal. While it can be intimidating if you’re not used to the auction format, the benefits can far outweigh your fear of getting in on the action. Just be careful because you might end up getting addicted to the feeling of winning!

After the Sale

Once you’ve found the car of your dreams (or at least the price of your dreams), a defensive driving course or traffic school can be a smart way to keep your baby in good shape. Courses not only help you drive better, but they can also take points off your license and knock dollars off your insurance bill — saving you even more money over time.